Features
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Indie Bands Thrive with Fair Trade Music Sharing
In June of 1999, Napster revolutionized and galvanized the music industry in one fell swoop. While turning the business on its ear, Napster turned everyone else\’s focus toward the digital future where songs were deemed information and, therefore, free for the giving and taking. At its peak, the company\’s innovative peer-to-peer file-sharing technology allowed some 25…
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Kelly Does Her Best… of 2009
Brandi Carlile – Give Up the Ghost – I\’ve actually been on a Brandi binge lately. Having liked her upon first listen, I\’ve grown to truly, madly, deeply love her upon further devoted attention to her songs. This year\’s release didn\’t initially win me over, but subsequent listens (and a different emotional state on my…
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Butterfly Boucher
Butterfly Boucher\’s \”Another White Dash\” is more than just a soaring pop song with an unexpected arrangement and timpani drums, even more than a Triple-A radio hit; it has also been my theme song for the past few years as I have moved back and forth across the country. And I am grateful for its…
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Tommy and the Whale
My astoundingly talented young friend Megan McCormick first introduced me to Tommy Hans. I won his favor with tasty cupcakes; he won my heart with great music; we\’ve not looked back since then.
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Matthew Perryman Jones
Should you ever have the pleasure of meeting Matthew Perryman Jones, be sure NOT to grab his torso in any way. I did that once and almost got socked in the kisser for it. Apparently, he\’s awfully ticklish. Who knew? So much for being all affectionate with a cute boy.
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Garrison Starr
Garrison Starr cracks me up. She just does. Two Southern refugees, we circled around each other in Los Angeles in the mid-90s and finally connected 10 years later in Nashville. From that point on, we were insta-buddies. Part of what brought us together – in addition to multiple mutual acquaintances – was her contribution to…
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Tracy Bonham
I got introduced to Tracy Bonham through Dave Gibbs of the Gigolo Aunts. I\’d long been a fan of hers so I was thrilled to make the acquaintance. What sealed our bond was a benefit compilation we co-produced. I\’d been wanting to do a series of themed compilations starting with Songs for a Broken Heart.…
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Katie Herzig
In 2007, I discovered that Nashville is full of phenomenally talented, independent artists. I lived there for the year and was humbled, honored, and pleased to get to know a bunch of them. Katie Herzig was one of the first.
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Kristen Hall
Kristen Hall was one of the folks who cruised through Genghis Cohen in 1994 when I was booking it. Somehow I managed to pack the joint and she vowed never to play L.A. again unless I promoted the show. Turns out, she didn\’t need me because a little band she founded called Sugarland packed houses…
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Amy Ray
I started listening to the Indigo Girls in 1987 and haven\’t stopped since. Yeah, I think they\’ve had a few missteps along the way, but nothing too severe. For the most part, they are simply wonderful. Of the two, I\’ve always leaned more toward Amy Ray\’s dark and somewhat brooding temperament. There\’s just something about…
